Cal/USC features best NFL Draft talent of the weekend

Following California's crushing defeat last week to Oregon, the Golden Bears' game has less importance in the world of college football.

However, the exact opposite is true for draft followers. That is evident when you consider that scouts from the Browns, Chiefs, Dolphins and Patriots will be in attendance. There will be great matchups and top prospects all over the field Saturday night.

As Chris Steuber of Scout.com pointed out, it's no coincidence that each of those teams run a 3-4 defense.

One of the main matchups they'll watch is between Cal defensive tackle Tyson Alualu against USC center Kristofer O'Dowd. Alualu, a senior, projects best as a 3-4 defensive end. He's strong but still agile inside and quick off the snap. He's a disruptive player with four sacks in 2009.

O'Dowd has been impressive after missing the first game of the season due to a dislocated knee cap. He can handle large interior defenders himself thanks to his pro-ready size. O'Dowd is better than any of the centers in last year's draft.

A badly sprained knee against Ohio State has slowed ultra-athletic USC safety Taylor Mays. He was unable to run laterally until just before last week's game against Washington State.

Although still not fully recovered, no game could help Mays' stock more than this one when he gets the task of tracking down Cal's Jahvid Best. Against the Bears he can show he can play disciplined football against the run.

The same can be said for Best proving himself. There are questions about how well he plays against superior competition. Best had the worst game of his career last season against the Trojans when he ran the ball 13 times for just 30 yards.

The stock for both Best and Mays could greatly fluctuate due to this game.

In the receiving game, no matchup is more intriguing than the possible one between Cal senior cornerback Syd'Quan Thompson and USC junior wide receiver Damian Williams. Neither of the talented playmakers have had a statement game this season and could do so here.

Should USC junior defensive end Everson Griffen go against California senior offensive tackle Mike Tepper, it could provide Griffen a great highlight reel. Griffen is stronger and faster than Tepper, who projects as a solid backup.

The Trojans' top offensive tackle, senior Charles Brown, could also have his hands full against Cal junior end Cameron Jordan.

Those are the top head-to-head battles, but each team has plenty of quality, draftable prospects.

For USC, have keep an eye on Anthony McCoy (TE), Josh Pinkard (S/CB), Jeff Byers (G), Michael Morgan (OLB), Joe McKnight (RB) and Stanley Havili (FB).

The talent for the Golden Bears might not be as great, but also watch out for Verran Tucker (WR), Devin Bishop (MLB), Kevin Riley (QB) and Darian Hagan (CB).